Saving a critically endangered native plant

Dr Debra Wotton, Principal Ecologist at Moa’s Ark Research, is working to save the critically endangered dry plains shrub daisy (Olearia adenocarpa). This rare plant is found only in Canterbury, has fewer than 700 plants left and is failing to regenerate in the wild. Dr Wotton’s research on the rare shrub daisy hit the headlines across New Zealand yesterday. The article by Will Harvie highlighted what can be achieved by individuals and organisations working together. However, it also emphasised the lack of funding for threatened species, especially plants. Research can shed light on why endangered plants are declining, and how to reverse it. However, more funding is needed to save our native plants from extinction.